Why do we have a planning system?

The planning system aims to encourage positive change in our towns and villages while protecting special assets such as historic buildings and the countryside. On this page you can find out how the system works in Renfrewshire.

Constructing new buildings, altering the use and appearance of buildings, and other changes in the way land is used are essential to help the economy grow and meet the need for homes, jobs, shops, leisure and mobility.

The planning system aims to encourage positive change in our towns and villages while protecting the things that make local areas attractive. The planning system balances competing and often conflicting demands so as to make sure that land is used and developed in the community's long-term interest. The planning system regulates development through the planning applications, whereby planning permission is granted or refused based on the policies set out in the development plan.

Planning decisions in Renfrewshire are guided by:

National planning policy set by the Scottish Government. More information on the Scottish Government is available from their website.

Strategic Development Plan. Renfrewshire Council works with seven other councils on the west of Scotland through the Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Strategic Development Planning Authority to prepare the strategic development plan for the area. More information on this is available at the Clydeplan - Strategic Development Planning Authority's website.

Renfrewshire Local Development Plan provides a detailed guide for future development in Renfrewshire.

The Development Management Section has the responsibility for administering the Council's duties with regards to Planning Applications.

A guide to the planning system is available from the Scottish Government website.

Advice on planning matters is also available from Planning Aid for Scotland, which is a national charity delivering free advice, information, support and training on planning and environmental matters to members of the general public and community organisations.

If you require further information please contact us using the contact details below.

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